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Nintendo Game Boy Color

Nintendo · Handheld 1998 Discontinued 3

Nintendo Game Boy Color is a vertical retro gaming handheld launched in 1998. Powered by Sharp LR35902 (CGB) (1-core, 8.389 MHz), 32 KB RAM and Custom PPU GPU. Features a 2.3" Reflective TFT LCD display (160 x 144). 2x AA batteries (~10h) battery. First color screen Game Boy, backward-compatible with original GB cartridges.

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Nintendo Game Boy Color is a vertical retro gaming handheld launched in 1998. Powered by Sharp LR35902 (CGB) (1-core, 8.389 MHz), 32 KB RAM and Custom PPU GPU. Features a 2.3" Reflective TFT LCD display (160 x 144). 2x AA batteries (~10h) battery. First color screen Game Boy, backward-compatible with original GB cartridges.

Launched in 1998, the Nintendo Game Boy Color is the handheld that first brought colour to the Game Boy family. It keeps the classic vertical form factor and stays backward-compatible with original Game Boy cartridges, giving you access to two game libraries in a single device.

At its heart is the Sharp LR35902 (CGB), an 8-bit chip with a Custom Z80 architecture that can run in double speed mode at around 8.4 MHz. It is paired with 32 KB of RAM and a Custom PPU GPU. This is not about emulation: the Game Boy Color runs Game Boy and Game Boy Color games natively from cartridge, exactly as they were designed.

The 2.3-inch reflective TFT screen, with a 160 x 144 resolution, displays colour games with clarity that stood out in its era. As a reflective panel, it looks its best with good ambient lighting.

The console measures 133 mm x 78 mm x 27 mm and weighs just 138 g, so it slips easily into a pocket or bag. The vertical layout and two face buttons keep the control scheme simple, true to classic Game Boy gameplay.

Power comes from 2x AA batteries, delivering roughly 10 hours of play, and they can be swapped quickly almost anywhere. Audio is handled by a single mono speaker, while games come on cartridges with a maximum capacity of 64 Mbit.

The system is purely cartridge-based, with no modern-style operating system. The enthusiast community is active, but any hardware modification voids the warranty, so keep that in mind before modding.

Ideal for: retro collectors, fans of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color libraries, and players who want to enjoy these games on original hardware powered by easy-to-find AA batteries.
Model
Sharp LR35902 (CGB)
Architecture
Custom Z80 (double speed)
Cores
1
Frequency
8 MHz
Instruction Set
Z80-like (8-bit)
Chipset
Custom PPU
Capacity
32 KB
Size
2.3
Technology
TFT
Resolution
160 x 144
Battery Type
AA
Battery Life
10 hours (2x AA)
Speaker Type
Single Mono
Storage Type
Cartridge
Card Support
Cartridge (max 64 Mbit)
Dimensions
133 mm x 78 mm x 27 mm
Weight
138 g
⚠️

Modifications void warranty

Disassembling this device or installing custom firmware will cancel the manufacturer warranty. Only authorized service personnel should open the unit.

Nintendo · 2 platforms

GB GB
GBC GBC

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • first color screen Game Boy
  • backward compatibility with Game Boy cartridges
  • replaceable AA batteries
  • around 10 hours of battery life
  • lightweight compact design

Cons

  • low 160 x 144 resolution
  • reflective screen needs good lighting
  • single mono speaker
  • only two face buttons
  • modding voids warranty

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